I have a file of newspaper accounts and advertisements related to Graves and
Prudden, daguerreotypists in the regions of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake,
St. Catherine's, Brantford, and London, U.C. Their portable saloon is recorded
in a whole-plate daguerreotype which is reproduced as Plate 4 of "American
Daguerreotypes from the Matthew R. Isenburg Collection (New Haven: Yale
University Art Gallery, 1989) and is further discussed in "The Graves & Prudden
Daguerreotype," by Graham W. Garrett in "The Daguerreian Annual 1991" pg 108-
110. Today's post is the first of several and marks the start of the
chronological appearance of these texts. The bulk of my information is from the
research of Graham W. Garrett, with subsequent information by Dennis Gannon.
* * * * *
On this day (May 10) in the year 1852, the following advertisement appeared in
the "Niagara Chronicle":
- - - - - - -
MESSRS GRAVES & PRUDEN would respectfully announce to the
citizens of Niagara and vicinity, that they are now in Town
with their Mammoth Daguerrean Saloon which they have
furnished in the very best possible manner, for the sole
purpose of taking the best and most life-like pictures ever
taken by this process. They are now ready to receive company
and extend a cordial welcome to all who are so disposed to
come and examine for themselves.
Come One, Come All! Whether you want Pictures or not, you
will always find them in good humor and always at home. All
pictures warranted to give good satisfaction or NO PAY.
improve the opportunity, as they will only remain here a
short time.
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Posted for your enjoyment Gary W. Ewer
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05-10-98